Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Deputy Lawrence M. Barnes, Sr. of the Ross County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 68 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 18, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Deputy Lawrence M. Barnes, Sr. of the Ross County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 63 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

October 18, 2019

Rest in peace Reserve Deputy Barnes.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Deputy Lawrence M. Barnes, Sr. of the Ross County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 62 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

October 18, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Deputy Lawrence M. Barnes, Sr. Ross County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 60 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

End of Watch: Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

October 18, 2017

Deputy Barnes,
On today, the 6th annivesary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ross County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

October 18, 2012

Remembering times we spent working together. Our conversations. Our friendship. God Bless you Larry. Rest in peace.

Nick

May 25, 2010

To Reserve Deputy Lawrence M. Barnes Sr, his family and his fellow officers with the Ross County Sheriff's Office:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Barnes’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Barnes and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and staff

October 18, 2009

Lawrence,
It is hard to believe that you have been gone since 2006. I never got to thank you for helping look for the escaped killer of our son so I am thanking you now. THANK YOU. I see your wife at McDonald's weekly and we hug each other and encourage each other. God has given her the strength to move forward and she has the sweetest smile that is contageous. You will never be forgotten for your service to God and to this community. Rest in peace.

Joy Cox, Mother of Officer Larry R.Cox

February 13, 2009

Lawrence, Im sure you already know, but Pickaway County lost one of their own tonight. As I look at your picture, I know you have already welcomed him in the gates. I miss you friend. Merry Christmas.

Heather
Ross County Deputy

December 25, 2008

Dad thing are just so hard without you. Sometime I find it to hard to handle.I,m here to help mom with what never she need but there is no replacing you. Nobody Care's the way you did. Please be with me because I miss and need you so much.

son

October 29, 2008

To Deputy Lawrence Barnes Sr. and his loved ones:

On this the second anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, Lawrence. I am praying for solace for your wife Janet and your children and other family members today, and each day that they are on the survivors' path.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lawrence gave to his community and the citizens of Ohio, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 18, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 18, 2008

RIP and continue to watch over your loved ones below.

Doris

September 15, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 8, 2008

Merry Christmas my friend. May God bless your family.

Heather
Friend

December 24, 2007

Lawrence, I thought about you all day on the 18th. I was out of town or I would have left something on here for you. I said a prayer for Janet.

Doesnt seem possible that you left us over a year ago. It seems like just yesterday and then sometimes it seems like a lifetime ago.

I hope you are enjoying you time up there, just remember we will be up there with you one day and we can all rejoice and be happy together. Cant wait.

I will talk to you soon my friend, rest easy.

Heather
Ross County Ohio Deputy Sheriff

October 30, 2007

Sir you are never forgotten, thank you for your service and god bless you and your family!

Cdt. Perkins
Wellston P.D.

October 18, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Barnes Sr on the anniversary of his passing. ~Heros are never forgotten~ Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

October 18, 2007

Deputy Barnes,
One year ago, you were called home. We are remembering you and the legacy of courage you left behind. There are not enough thank you's to express our gratitude for how you made such a profound difference in the world.

Pennsylvania citizen

October 16, 2007

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio we are very sorry for the loss of your life while serving your community and our country! God bless your family!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

July 9, 2007

Well Lawrence, it looks as if everyone made a safe return from Washington DC. Thanks. It is so very hard to look at the picture they have of you on this page. I just want to talk to you. You look so "real" to me. However, I know that you are talking to so many other people right now in so many ways. You go and do your "deeds" up there and dont worry too much about us down here. We have each other and we can always count on a good cry if we need it. You go enjoy your time up there, because the rest of us will be up before you know it. Save us a good seat close to you.

If you see Ray, Ed or Rickster, give them a pat on the back and tell them we miss them too. Rest easy my friend.

Heather
Ross County Ohio Deputy Sheriff

May 25, 2007

Hi Lawrence. I just wanted to say hi and apoligize early. I wont be able to make it to DC this year to hear your named called. I really wanted to come but I just cant get time off of work to get there. Please watch for everyone, there will be a boat load of them coming. Please keep them safe.

I passed Freddie today on 35, he didnt see me but I saw him. I thought of you when I saw him. He had his window rolled down and looked as happy as Freddie always does. I would tell you that he had his hair blowing in the wind but you and I both know better. Ha-Ha.

Anyway, Ill stop by again soon and chat with you. Rest easy my friend.

Heather
Ross County Ohio Deputy Sheriff

March 15, 2007

What do you said after losing your father. Someone that no matter what would always wholeheartly be there to help you! He was truly a special person not only to me but any person in need!!!!! He give without wanting anything in return and wouldn't take anything even went offer!!!!!!He always look for the good in people. So again what dos a son said after losing a father like him. Well dad I love and miss you more then you'll ever know!!!!! I wish we had a little more time together just for me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Son of Reserve Deputy Lawrence Barnes Sr
My Dad

March 9, 2007

Lawrence aka Mr. Barnes, We miss you so much, Rodney misses his partner in investigating. I just miss your jokes and ffunny things you did. You will be missed forever.

Rodney, Robyn & Adam Hatfield
friend

March 5, 2007

Lawrence I love you, and miss you this Valentines it is our first one apart in forty-seven years. I won't be getting a valnentine from you this year, but I am getting the love letters and valentines out you have once given me when you were alive. Love you with all my heart and see you soon, wait for me at the gate. Wife Janet Barnes.

February 11, 2007